FORMER Cebu City mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, denounced what he described as “fake news” surrounding the alleged procurement of customized shirts worth P20,000 each during his term, calling the accusation baseless and politically motivated.
Garcia was responding to statements made by Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who earlier raised concerns over questionable procurement items, including the alleged overpriced shirts and a luxury BYD electric vehicle.
He denied any overpriced shirt purchase, saying there was no P20,000-per-unit order under his administration and that records from his office could prove otherwise.
“I have to speak out because I have a reputation to protect,” Garcia said.
He also pointed out that Archival and Osmeña have not presented any evidence to support the claim of overpriced shirts.
According to records from City Hall, Garcia said that sublimation-printed shirts or collared shirts typically cost between P500 to P600 based on quotations and supporting documents—far from the P20,000 price tag alleged.
Garcia called on both Archival and Osmeña to issue a public apology, warning that he is considering filing cyberlibel charges to clear his name.
“Stop deceiving and misleading the public... Just do your jobs,” he said, hinting that the accusations may be an attempt to undermine his credibility ahead of the 2028 elections.
He downplayed speculations that the attacks were orchestrated to block his political comeback but acknowledged that he may be perceived as a threat in future electoral contests.
“2028 is still far away,” Garcia said.
On the issue of the BYD electric vehicle, Garcia reiterated that no public funds were spent, as the transaction was not completed. He aligned his statement with a prior clarification from former mayor Michael Rama and the City Treasurer’s Office, which stated that no payment was made for the P4.4-million vehicle. (EHP)